life as I know it...

will never be the same. I have been changed.

When I got home 2 months ago, I had culture shock. I was no longer building houses. I had chores to do. I had to get ready to go to school. It was like I blinked and the summer was gone. It felt like a dream and I just wanted to go back to sleep. I wanted to go back. During the week I was home, I had 4 appointments and I had to move my stuff to Macomb. On top of that I walked a 5k with my mom. She has made me super proud. She kept up with me and we finished in a little over 50 minutes.

I'm now half way through the semester and I can't believe it. I don't know where the time went. I feel like I haven't been back that long and yet it feels so long ago that I was there. I cannot wait to go back!! CSC will be headed down on January 1st, 2011!!

Any way that's the update on my life. I may or may not post more but I felt I needed to post the rest of my weeks up just to make sure I remember them. I miss them.


<3 Lisa

last weeks of the internship

First I want to apologize for not posting about my last weeks at Casas. Things were crazy busy and then when I returned home I had a week and then I was back at school starting classes and everything. Things have calmed down now and I realized I had not posted for a long time. I am not good at this whole blogging thing. But here is what happened since I last wrote in July.

So the next week was probably the hardest week of my entire summer. Brittany and I had 17 people to build a double when usually there are 18 or more. We were building in a tight space and had to cut the house down by a foot which threw off our roof. The biggest thing that week was me destroying my middle finger with my hammer. It was about twice the size and we had to put a hole in it to drain the blood. I thought I was going to pass out. But this was a blessing in disguise. The father of the family we were building for was born in the US and is a missionary to Acuna. He met and fell in love with a Mexican woman and now they are married and have 4 daughters. He was such a blessing to have because of his example. Also while I was draining the blood from my finger, I was sitting in their house with his wife. She understood more English than she could speak and I could understand more Spanish than I could speak. So there we were talking to each other. Both of us trying to use the others language but mostly using our own and still understanding and communicating with each other. It was amazing! I felt like everything was going wrong that week, but the family was so gracious and the team worked really hard, and in the end we were able to give the family a working house. God is AMAZING!!!

Friday we came back to El Paso and on Saturday, the interns and Brandon and Miguel and Martin were out working on our Intern Project. Building 3 houses for the families whose houses had burned down. We poured 3 slabs, built 3 sets of walls, and stood 2 of them all in one day. That night Amy had us over for dinner and just hanging out. I left early cause I was exhausted and was not in the greatest of moods. I needed some time to myself. Then on Sunday Aubrie and I traveled back to Acuna to lead our last house without a staff member. We built a house for a family of 3 with one on the way. The father walked into the house and said it's so big. I felt really blessed to build for them. The mother had faith in God that he would provide her with a house before her baby was born. I pray this family is doing well. After the dedication on Thursday, we went to an orphanage. The kids were so full of life and I loved playing with them. I rolled my ankle again here while I had a little girl on my back. Thankfully I was able to get my balance and got Andrea off my back without falling.

On the way to shop in Acuna, I got a call from Janette who told me to call Christi Reed because some one I knew had passed away. I called and found out my beautiful and vivacious friend Kerstin had passed away. I had a hard time composing myself in front of the team and they all found out. Janette had also told me that I would be joining her and Caleb on a weekend build starting on Saturday. This would be my last build of the summer.

We built with a team from Texas and had a blast. It was a great last build. It was kind of a blur to me but it was a lot of fun. On arriving back in El Paso, Caleb and I got the day off. The next day we had to take inventory of all the tool kits that we used in Juarez. After the rest of the interns returned from Acuna, we dedicated the burn houses. The faith of the families was amazing. They were so thankful and just wonderful to see them get new houses after what they had gone through. After the dedication, we had our last meal at Josue's. Man I miss that place. haha We went back to El Paso, cleaned up and headed over to a church in El Paso that we had helped earlier in the summer. They held a dinner and invited us to come. It was cool to see them again and talk about how much had changed since the beginning of the summer.

During our last week of our internship, we took a trip to the Grand Canyon. It was so beautiful and amazing place to reflect on what happened this summer. Pictures can not show how big it it but when I was there it just looked like a picture. I couldn't believe I was there. AMAZING!!! When we got back, I had a full day in El Paso and then my flight was the next morning. I couldn't believe it was time to go home.

<3 Lisa

First trip to Acuna!

So it's been about 3 weeks sorry everyone. :) Since then I've helped build 3 homes...2 in Acuna and 1 in Juarez. After I blogged last, I spent 7 hours in a truck with 3 other interns to go to Acuna for 2 weeks including the 4th of July. I procrastinated on packing and only ended up getting 2 hours of sleep. oops the truck was uncomfortable so I didn't sleep muck on the way there. When we got to Del Rio(just across the border from Acuna) we stopped for lunch and went to Wal-Mart. We got stuff and crossed the border to stay with our Mexican rep David. This family is amazing! They treated us like part of the family. His wife Delia cooked us amazing food and David took us around to see our sites and churches. Little David and Irvin provided quite the entertainment while we were staying there.

The first week started out rough. Aubrie and I were leading a team from Iowa. We crossed the border to get our team and then crossed back. It was pouring and we did not know where we were going. We couldn't find street signs or anything. It was so frustrating. We finally found our way to the church, warehouse, and site. After that we took control. We got the form leveled and started building walls. The team was amazing and it didn't phase them that there was a lot of time in the van. They were troopers when they had to wheelbarrow concrete into the form. I was very thankful for this team. The house went up with few problems but that is to be expected. We didn't see the family much which was different for me. With the left over wood, the team made a sandbox for the son of the family we built for. It was such a great idea. This week I was not feeling well and was very thankful for Aubrie and how she led. Overall it was a great week. Acuna is hot and humid. It was a very interesting week to get aquainted with the city.

After we said goodbye to the team, we stayed with our Mexican rep over the weekend. Shane, Kevin, Aubrie, and I cooked them an American 4th of July dinner (on the 3rd and Irvin had a problem with that). We had hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, chips, and fruit pizza. :D It was amazing. We went to church with them that Sunday and it was cool to see a bigger Mexican church. Amazing! That night we stayed in Del Rio to get ready for our next builds.

This next week I built with Alexis and Andy. It was quite an experience. The truck got stuck, a mouse died, a concrete truck got stuck, and that was all in the morning. Hahaha! We had a team from the central IL area! It's always good to get some midwesterners down here. The team was great and I loved working with them. The Rio had flooded so water was out all over the city. We had to be super careful with water usage. The house went up according to plans. One day we went swimming in Acuna. It was sweet. We were the only ones there. It was even hotter this week than the last week and more humid. God got me through both of these weeks and I am thankful for that.

We drove back on Friday. I realized how much I missed El Paso and Juarez(and the dry heat). I was super excited to see El Paso and the house I am living in for the summer. On Saturday, a group of us went to Hueco Tanks. That place is so beautiful! I feel like I am losing my mind...I don't really remember the rest of that weekend...

But on Monday I went out with Janette and Jason and a team from the Quad Cities (yay midwest!). We were supposed to build a double but there wasn't enough room so we built a dingle or super single. Which ever you prefer. The team was sweet and worked well together. With Janette and Jason leading, I was able to do more work than I normally do. It was good to get back to that because I enjoy it as well. The dedication was beautiful and there was a lot of crying. Then they had a party for the community. It was pretty sweet. They even had a pinata! hahaha. We had lunch at Josue's :D and crossed over. It was an amazing week!

When I got back to the property, I had a package from home. It had homeade treats and some of my favorite candy but most importantly it had letters from some of my best friends. I cried. I miss them and I am very thankful that God put them in my life even though the drive me crazy at times. I can't wait to see them when I get home. It's going to be a party! hahaha

Friday we checked on the fire houses and finally decided we are going to build them 3 new homes. :) Then we had lunch at Josue's and Aubrie and I got to see a 15 year old Casas house. How crazy is that! We went over to the Robinson's for dinner and heard David's testimony and hung out there for awhile. It was great to hang out and talk. We haven't had a lot of time to do that lately. Today I slept in. It was amazing! Then Aubrie, Alexis, Kevin, Kurt, Caleb, and I had lunch together and the girls went shopping! So much fun just hanging out. Then we had dinner at Janette and Jason and watched Jim Gaffigan. Funny guy. Now I'm back at the house. I'm all packed and ready to head back to Acuna tomorrow. I'll be there for a week, back here for the weekend, and back to Acuna the following week.

Summer has been going by so quickly. I can't believe I've been here for 2 months already and we only have 4 weeks left. I love it here and I'm going to be sad to leave but I'm excited to see everyone back home.

I hope everyone is doing well at home or where ever you may be. May God bless you this week and show you his love in ways you've never seen. :D


<3 Lisa

On my own but not really

This week was my first solo build. Man was I nervous. Got up super early and loaded my truck with my stuff and stuff I needed from Casas. Then waited for the team to get there at 6 am. I took a van and headed off to get tools from the warehouse because I was the only one that needed to go get them from central. We met back up with them at the SHOC. Then we headed to our site which was a whole 2 minutes from the SHOC. I was so nervous and I could feel my voice shaking and my throat going dry. We got the form squared and leveled and all the wood cut. I marked plates and had them build walls and a roof section. Our concrete truck was 2 hours late. After we poured, most of the team went back to the SHOC and I stayed behind with Ed and Mike to finish the slab. The family fed the three of us...I don't know what it was but it was delicious. After siesta we stood walls(and squared and leveled them) and put on blackboard. It was a very interesting day. That night we had worship and devos and I got to know my team a little bit deeper. I absolutely loved my team! They really worked well together and they were ready and willing. Next day was a little smoother for me. I felt a lot more comfortable leading. We got the roof done, chicken wire done (complete with corner beads and j-channels), insulation done, wiring pulled, windows in(after some frustration), soffit done, and the ceiling drywall in one room. That night we had worship and devos again. I really like worshiping it just brings me closer to God. Next day we finished dry wall, electrical, stucco, and put in the door. The team also taped and mudded and then painted the house. That night we invited the 5 families the church was building for over for dinner. It turned into more of a community thing. Our family couldn't make it because the Grandma had a doctor appointment and they didn't get back in time. We worshiped afterwords(have I mentioned that I love that?). It started storming so I resorted back to childish ways and played in the rain while 3 groups were at their dedications. The storm was amazing! I miss the rain. Thursday morning we got up and dedicated the house. By the time we left, everyone was crying. It was amazing to see what God can do in just a few short days. :D We crossed over and I got a little sad. So far I've been blessed with good groups and I'm sad to see them leave. Kevin and I had to cross back into Juarez to check on the fire families. A political party decided to help out and build them houses out of cinder blocks. We check on them and then headed back to meet our team for dinner. Dinner was good but it meant it was time for good byes. I don't like it. I'm hoping to keep in touch and form some bonds.

This week I was on my own, but I'm never really on my own. God is always there looking out for me. Guiding me and helping me in my times of need. I could not have made it through the week without him. I'm loving life and the work I'm doing for the Lord!

<3 Lisa

Broken

So this week was hard and yet amazing! I was added to help Alexis build a double with Crossroads Community Church from Naperville, IL. Our site had 3 hole where we needed to pour around. It is where the bathroom drained to so there needed to be ventilation. We did not have a concrete truck so pouring the slab took all afternoon on Monday. Tuesday we built walls and stood them. We put on blackboard and some chicken wire. The roof also got put on and the ply wood and tar paper got put on as well. That day we saw some black smoke in the distance and didn't think anything of it. We thought it was burning tired or garbage. Wednesday we finished all but some of the drywall and electrical. We had a man who didn't even know the family helping do the stucco. That night after the team went to bed Aubrie, Alexis, Kevin, and I went over to Miguel's house and filled a bunch of water balloons. We finished the drywall and electrical Thursday morning and painted the house white. During siesta, the team was called outside to take a group picture. We attacked them with water balloons. It was hilarious. We dedicated the house to the family that afternoon. It was amazing to see the team at work. We were staying at the SHOC and Miguel's (our Mexican rep in Juarez) wife and daughters cooked a lot of food and we had a little fiesta at the SHOC. It was sweet! We crossed back over Friday morning and went to eat at Rudy's around 10:30.
Then it was back to the property. We were informed that the smoke we saw on Tuesday was 3 Casas houses burning to the ground. I was shocked. It was decided that the interns (with some help of full time staff) would rebuild these houses. We have the money right now to build 1 1/2 houses. We went and visited the families to talk to them and tell them that God has not forgotten about them and we want to help. The city had already bulldozed 2 of the 3 houses that burnt. Here are a few pictures of what happened. http://picasaweb.google.com/sespears/InternBuild?authkey=Gv1sRgCIrAk9CGvNbrgwE&feat=email# When I walked inside the third house, I started crying. I remembered how scared I was of my house burning down and this was a reality to them. It is still making me tear up and I know when we are building for them I'm going to be a wreck. After we left the families, we scouted our sites for next week. I am excited to build again. We told the team that morning about the fires and our plan to help them. After we had returned from Mexico, we went to our Friday intern meeting and "story time" meaning testimonies from the full time staff. When we were finished we went over to visit with the team. We shared a little bit more about the families and showed some pictures. We mentioned the money and then were stopped. The leader had told one of us that morning that they would raise the rest of the money we needed to build these homes for the families. They had been challenged and they gave 2/3 of the money to us right then and there. I started crying again. Just knowing that God put on their hearts to help these families they had never met was amazing. Over half the room was crying by the end of the time. I am extremely grateful that I was able to meet and work with these people. I have been broken. God is AWESOME!

There are many stories to tell and many families that need help. If you have been challenged or would like to help us build houses. You can donate online or you can send a check to Casas por Cristo. https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=1005 Here is the website. To help us, make sure you put in the comment box INTERN BUILD. or you could send a check to Casas at PO Box 971070, El Paso, TX 79997. In the memo it should say INTERN BUILD or it will go into the general fund for Casas.

This ministry has really touched my heart.

<3 Lisa

Life as I know it

It seems like a long time since I blogged but it's been busy around here. Since last time, I've been apart of blessing 5 families with a home in the name of Jesus.

May 24 and 25 we were taught how to lead in building a single! As interns(with staff help), we finished the house in 2 days. We dedicated on that Wednesday. It was beautiful! I just love seeing the joy the families have.

Well the 28th of May the interns loaded up to help a local church with low numbers start building a house. We built for a Mexican couple. In one day, we poured the slab, built and stood walls, got all of the black board on, got the first row of chicken wire on, and build and put on the roof sections as well as put the plywood on the roof. That is crazy fast!! I didn't get to help much because the day before I fell of a curb and hurt my ankle and it was bothering me most of the day. I tried to help as much as I could.

Saturday and Sunday was another house. We built with a group of men from Cypress. We built for Mario and his wife who live with their children and their grandchildren. Lots of people in that house. They were scheduled to do 2 houses but didn't have enough people so the interns helped. We built and finished the houses in two days! It was great! We crossed back over that night to sleep because the next day we had to be up for a staff/intern build. This is where we go with a staff member and a team and we help lead the house.

This next week was amazing! I was with Justin, Caleb, and Shane and our team was from Ransom Church which is in South Dakota. The house went up quick and the team even had time to tape and mud and paint the house (all of which they brought themselves). It was a great learning experience and the group was great too! We built for Rosa and her 3 kids (Diana, Miguel, and Erick). Words cannot express how much I love doing this.

Now to the most recent build. Aubrie and I led by ourselves! We were super nervous but we did a great job! We built with a church from Indiana so it was close to home. lol It was a stressful week but we got through it and now a family of 5 have a house! The parents are both 26 and they have three young children. The grandmother was very emotional and almost made me cry.

I know this is not very detailed but it is as detailed as I can get right now. It has just been crazy. and I fell off a step again so now I am wearing an ankle brace everywhere I go. Hopefully after the build this week I can get in to see a doctor. I have so many stories to share! Tomorrow I'm off to Juarez to build again!

Hope you all aren't missing me too much!!!

<3 Lisa

p.s. The pictures are in order like the blog! :) enjoy until I can get the rest of my pictures up!

Crazy

So these last two weeks have been super crazy! I've built a single with interns, half a house on Friday, a house on Saturday/Sunday, and I just got back from a build with a team Monday through today. It has been amazing though I LOVE IT!! I really don't have a lot of time right now, I'll try to update more tomorrow or when ever I have time. There is so much to write an so little time!

Love and Miss you all!!!

Lisa

Week 1!! Double house Training

So today marks the last day of my first week here. I still am in awe about being here. It really hasn't sunk in yet. Since it has been a week since I've posted I guess I should go back and tell what has happened so far.

Saturday was a really long day. Up at 4:30am to get up to Midway to catch my flight. I arrived in El Paso at 3:10 and met Aubrie not long after. Janette and Jason Roth picked us up and brought us to our house. We are the only 2 girls so we are sharing the Artisan House on the Casas property. After we unloaded and got a little situated, we went to dinner with the guys that were already there. I've got to say that this summer is going to be amazing because of these people. The other interns are Andy Rausch, Aubrie Wright, Caleb Wilson, Kevin FitzGerald, Kurt Norris, Nick Loveberry, and Shane Spears. We mesh so well and it is just great! Sunday we went to church and then out to lunch. Then Aubrie and I went on a hunt for a cot. After 5 stores, we finally found one! Later in the afternoon we went to the guys' house and then decided to go for a little hike. Everything was fine going up the mountain but coming down I had a little run in with a cactus. There was a small puncture but it was bleeding a lot. That was an interesting experience. We got it all taken care of and I'm fine. It wasn't a big deal. We decided it would be good to go for a walk to Jason and Janette's. 40 min later we finally arrived. We played games and got to know each other a little better and then walked back to the guys' house in the dark. Aubrie and I then headed back home so we could sleep some before our early morning cross into Mexico.

Monday morning started off with a lot of information. What we need to do, when we need to do it, what we were going to be doing that day. Then we drove into Juarez. I started the day driving. It was crazy. We picked up the tools and headed to the S.H.O.C. (Shane Harris Outreach Center). We unloaded stuff and headed to the work site. When we got there we met, Maria de Jesus and a couple of her children. Then we started learning right away. The full time staff started doing building right away so we could learn. First thing was to build and level the form for the slab. It looked pretty level but there was one side that was a little low in the middle. We had to dig and carry a lot of dirt to level it. We had a concrete truck so pouring the slab went quick and Nick and I screaded the concrete. That was hard work. We were on the siesta schedule so we stopped after we were done with the slab. We went back the the shoc and did some more training. Tool flash cards, how to make cut sheets, and how to label boards for assembly. We went back to the site and continued to learn. We built U-Joints, headers, and corner posts. When we were done for the day, we stopped by the sponsoring pastor's church. There was a lot of dancing going on. It was great to see the people praising God. We headed back to the shoc, had dinner, and hung out.

Tuesday was just as busy. We stood the walls and learned how to level the house. Then we split into groups of 2 interns and learned black board, squaring the roof, and how to wire a house. A neighbor of Maria's, Luis, made us lunch and it was delicious. Hamburgers, chicken burritos, enchiladas, rice, and beans. We headed back to the shoc for more flash cards and wiring examples. When we got back to the site later, we learned how to do chicken wire and put on the roof and secure it. We were then again divided into groups and learned how to plate the roof, how to soffitt the roof, and wiring and hurricane ties. We also finished the insulation today. We headed back the the shoc for the night and ate dinner and sang praise songs.

Wednesday, we finished the house. We learned how to put on rolled shingles on the roof and make and apply stucco. We also learned more about wiring and how to install lights, light switches and outlets. When we had everything done, we went back to the shoc, had lunch, and cleaned and packed up. Then we went back the house for the dedication. It was so touching. A single mother of 5 got a house for her family. I was fortunate enough to be the one handing her the keys. The hug that I got crossed any barriers between us and it was a special moment. The look on her face was indescribable. It was just amazing. We headed to the border and waited in line to come back into the States. That night we headed over to Janette and Jason's for dinner and played a game and had some bonding time.

Thursday was just simply amazing. We had training in the morning and learned about all of the jobs here at Casas. We finished about 2 and had the rest of the day to ourselves. Aubrie and I went to Wal-Mart to get groceries. That place is just crazy! So many people all of the time. The guys made us dinner that night. It was a lot of fun over there. We started sharing our testimonies(we got through 3), and it was just wonderful to see how God has worked in the lives of my fellow interns. It was a real encouragement to me.

Friday started out with a staff devo. Then we had some more training because we couldn't cross the border to count our tool kits because Brandon was sick. We had training until lunch time and then Aubrie and I went to Wal-Mart because we were making dinner for the guys. When we got back, I took a nap. Aubrie went hiking with Alexis and the guys. When they got back, I had dinner ready and after dinner Aubrie did dishes. We watched a movie and then everyone was dead so we all went to bed.

Today was a lot of fun. It also marks the one week mark since I've been here. I got to sleep in and then we went to Hueco Tanks and climbed around. It was so much fun. The view from the top was breathtaking. It was also a great bonding time. After we finished there, we went back to Brandon's and grilled out. It was an awesome way to spend a Saturday and I'm tuckered out. Well that was week one. Excited for all the other weeks to come. <3

Lisa

Last night at home!

Well today was my last day at home for 3 months. That is crazy...somehow the thought of me being gone for 3 months still hasn't kicked in. In a little over 10 hours I'll be one my way to El Paso. This is so exciting. So what did I do for my last day? hahaha slept in, hung out with Katie!, then had a potluck and prayer service at church, and to end the night a impromptu bonfire at home. It was a great! I am truly blessed with the the family I have, the church family I have and my friends. They are so wonderful and encouraging.

I'm all packed and ready to go...I just need to find my purse...whoops oh well it will turn up. I've got a little cleaning up to do and then I need to get to bed. Long day ahead of me starting at 4:30 am so we can leave by 5:15 to get to the airport. Good thing I'm not driving! Good night all!

(Can't believe this is my last post from Illinois for the summer!!!)

DONE WITH FINALS!

Whooo hooo!! Done with finals! Back at home and packing and getting ready for Saturday! I am so excited. This whole school year has gone really fast. I'm so glad that the semester is over, and I'm done with homework and tests for 3 months! Now I just need to pack and get everything in order. Things are crazy but I am getting more and more excited every day! My flight leaves on Saturday morning at 10:10 am and I'll be in El Paso at 3:10 pm that day. Training starts on Monday bright and early! Can't wait!

Lisa

Casas Fever!

Hi!
So the main reason I started this blog was to keep people back home updated while I am an intern with Casas por Cristo this summer. I can not tell you how excited I am for this summer. It is going to amazing! My cousin(Rod) called my excitement Casas Fever. I believe that is exactly what it is. I'm ready to get the last week of classes over and finals done so I can head down! 16 days until my flight. I've started getting stuff together and I have the handbook! It's going to be a crazy couple of weeks and then on to the amazing and life changing summer!
Lisa